A historic Tuscan retreat with a stunning vision for the future

The history of this majestic retreat is as interesting and impressive as its design. Part of what is now the Borgo Santo Pietro hotel dates back to the 13th century. This old Tuscan hamlet became an abandoned structure until the year 2001 when husband and wife Jeanette & Claus Thottrup purchased the estate. As you can deduce, it’s located in Tuscany, Italy.

The new owners had big plans for the property, wanting to transform it into a luxury 5 star boutique hotel. They started by restoring the original building which later became the main villa of this amazing retreat. They also planted more than 300,000 trees and plants and created the stunning gardens that make the visitors love this place now.

The hotel first opened its doors in 2008. A while later, in 2014, the vineyard was planted and that allowed the hotel to offer its own selection of wines. The estate and everything on it saw a continuous development ever since. The transition from country house to luxury hotel was definitely not an easy one but it was all done in style.

Throughout this continuous expansion and transformation, the original architecture of the 13th century structure was preserved. In fact, the entire estate is a unique combination of old and new, classical and contemporary. This results in a rather splendid and timeless look and ambiance. This great respect for the original heritage of the property allowed the hotel to gain a lot of character.

What was once an abandoned hamlet is now the main villa for this exclusive complex. It offers beautiful en-suite rooms as well as a majestic grand suite. The Santo Pietro Suite is a vast 175 square meter volume in the original villa. It offers its guests an amazing VIP experience and it composed of a large living space decorated with antiques, state-of-the-art audio and video systems and elegant accessories plus a large bedroom with a king-size four poster bed, its en-suite bathroom with a white warble shower and a freestanding tub.

This grand suite also has a private massage and therapy room set on the private interior terrace. In the living area, bedroom and terrace there are stone fireplaces that bring natural texture and warmth into the villa, creating a very welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

Another beautiful suite is the one placed within the gardens. It’s called La Casa Dell’Unicorno and it measures a total of 75 square meters. Its large open plan living area is sumptuous and elegant and the bedroom section has its own private entrance. A four poster bed and a crystal chandelier add a sophisticated touch to the décor. Out in the garden there’s a covered dining area with a wrought-iron king-size daybed.

In total, the hotel now offers 16 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms plus numerous other facilities such as a tennis court, bocce pitch, basketball court, a playground, a swimming pool, a beautiful orchard and manicured lawns and landscaped gardens. All the interior spaces are decorated with an authentic Italian style combined with contemporary elements.

All the hotel’s bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning, safes, TVs, DVD players, iPads, iPod docks, Wi-Fi and some also have their own balconies. All the other spaces are just as exquisite and elegant. The hotel’s architecture has been preserved through traditional artisan techniques and the interior is decorated with a combination of frescoed landscapes, trompe l’oeils, flagstone floors, open fireplaces and vaulted ceiling beams.

The furnishings used throughout the hotel have been hand-picked by the owners from antique markets throughout Europe. Along with these, original pieces of art and bespoke accessories have been included in the design.

In 2015 the hotel also opened its own exclusive spa. it’s set in the flower and herb gardens and it’s a very zen and relaxing space. The same year, the Borgo Cooking School was opened. It’s overseen by Michelin Star Chef Andrea Mattei who also takes care of the hotel’s restaurant. Fresh fruit and vegetables are used and they all come from the hotel’s own garden. Guests can also enjoy a beautiful wine cellar with an intimate ambiance and a treehouse bar lounge.

Set within 13 acres of beautiful gardens, this hotel is a great example of harmony between the past and present, its design and structure showcasing both its history and plans for the future. With beautiful views across the valley and such a splendid combination of design and services, it’s impossible not to enjoy your stay here.

Everything is designed to be in harmony with nature, the surroundings, the past and the present. The swimming pool looks more like a natural pond, featuring an organic shape and an infinity edge with mesmerizing views across the valley, beautiful trees for shade and decorative rocks.

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She may not be very fond of people, finding them annoying most of the time, but she still enjoys helping them from the shadows. Her attention to detail drives others crazy yet remains her most appreciated characteristic.